Brick Pagoda Lane

　　Brick Pagoda Lane is one of the oldest hutongs in Beijing and is also one of the relatively well-preserved hutongs with minimal damage and intact historical character. Located near Xisi Archway, the name of this hutong comes from an ancient green-brick pagoda standing within it. This pagoda is the burial stupa of the eminent monk Wan Song, who was the teacher of the famous Yuan Dynasty statesman Yelü Chucai. Wan Song lived during the transition period between the Jin and Yuan dynasties. The exact age of the Wan Song Elder’s Pagoda is unknown, but historical records suggest it is at least 600 years old, and the age of Brick Pagoda Lane is believed to be similar. Both the *Collection of Beijing’s Five City Wards, Lanes, and Hutongs* by Zhang Jue of the Ming Dynasty (published in the 39th year of the Jiajing reign) and the *Brief Guide to the Imperial Capital* by Wu Changyuan of the Qing Dynasty (published in the 53rd year of the Qianlong reign) include Brick Pagoda Lane as an ancient site of the capital, further indicating its long history.